Senior Procurement Professional Review

by BAE Systems

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

7.9/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

I manage a variety of suppliers so my role involves expediting orders, liaising with all functions, arranging invoices and a whatever comes my way.

7/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have learnt how to become a competent buyer through my experience with the business, as well as through my studies with CIPs.

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I enjoy my role, and got the exit role I wanted. I enjoyed learning through CIPs, and found it challenging.

8/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The placements were good, but I think they could have been a bit more varied. There are also times where people in your placement are too busy to help train you so you may be a bit bored for a while.

7/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

There are monthly calls with our discipline manager to get udpates and support, as well as 12 week reviews where we receive feedback from our placement managers.

9/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

I personally thought the online workshops were not that helpful for my study style, and it would be nice if they were optional, as well as having other ways to work with CIPs.

6/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

Because you learn the foundations through CIPs, you are able to apply this in your day to day role, making it specific to your business through your experience.

9/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

We have apprentice meals every now and then, and these are more frequent post-lockdown. There are a few clubs arranged by apprentices and these have become more common recently, which is nice to see.

8/10

9a. Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

I felt looked after by the business as a whole whilst an apprentice. The pay is very fair, and the experience gained through placements is invaluable.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?

Be ready to be out of your comfort zone, and don't feel like a burden for not knowing anything. Ask as many questions as you can think of, and believe in yourself.